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The above is something one might save for an “official” 10 year retrospective — I wrote it September 14, 2001 — but the news of last night/this morning, and the picture below, sent me into a tailspin of remembering and emotion. My heart goes out to those who experienced more profound and direct loss than I that day, for if this is the way I feel today, they must need a lot of extra love this morning.

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I ♥ NY.

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I’ve been recently fascinated by the Irish itinerants, sometimes called tinkers, preferred to be called travelers. They still exist today, even though not in the same numbers as they once did. International Association for study of Irish Literature member José Lanters, in November, published a book on the topic that I’m looking forward to delve into. And, of course, in the meantime there’s always Gabriel Byrne in Into the West. (Or Brad Pitt in Snatch. Sorta.)

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Genuine Banksy? Publicity Stunt? Both?

“Exit Through the Gift Shop” is up for an Oscar.

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I’m nervous about tomorrow’s race. It’s the first in the NYRR Grand Prix series, the Manhattan Half Marathon. I feel under-trained and have been sick all week. Plus it’s going to be like 12 degrees. I’m, admittedly, bummed that I feel like tomorrow might be a struggle.  However I’m trying to psyche myself up tonight. I have housed a burrito carb-loaded, stretched and tweaked my playlist. And, I bought a grip of cold weather accoutrement. Tomorrow I will show up and I will run. I’ll breathe, I’ll marvel at the beauty of Central Park in winter and I’ll take one step at a time. First half marathon of 2011? Let’s do this.

Sláinte/Namaste,
e.m.